The National Intelligence Estimate has concluded that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons program in 2003. Does this mean we should stop beating the drums of war and fear-mongering about a nuclear Iran? Not to Bush. From today's press conference:

"Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous and Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon."

"What's to say they couldn't start another covert nuclear weapons program?" Bush asked.

"Iranian entities are continuing to develop a range of technical capabilities that could be applied to producing nuclear weapons, if a decision is made to do so."

Notice the conditional statements. He's claiming Iran is a threat... at least the could potentially become one... if they decide to... and had the knowledge to follow through with that decision... and maybe we poke them with a big stick. This article in The Onion has never been more relevant.

UPDATE: In an interview with Charles Gibson, Bush acknowledge that Iran has a right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, saying "it's the sovereign right of Iran to have civilian nuclear power, and I agree, and I believe that."

But he went on to say this: "But the problem is, is that it's, what's dangerous is their desire to learn how to enrich uranium, and, because the enrichment process could lead to a weapon."

I admit I don't have an in-depth understanding of nuclear technology, but it's my understanding that enriching uranium is a necessary step in producing nuclear energy. Perhaps someone with a better understanding of nuclear technology could explain whether Bush is completely contradicting himself or not.